Cuomo on pre-K program: 'Whatever the mayor needs'

Cuomo on pre-K program: 'Whatever the mayor needs'

Associated Press

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he's prepared to write a check to fund all the costs of universal pre-kindergarten as fast as New York City can phase in the program.

Cuomo made the comments to The New York Times, a day after Mayor Bill de Blasio refused to back down from his signature proposal to raise taxes on the wealthy to expand pre-K — despite Cuomo's inclusion of alternate funding in the state budget to pay for it.

Cuomo questioned why the tax was needed if the state would fully fund pre-K.

A spokesman for the mayor responded that de Blasio believed the fairest way to secure a dedicated, full five years of funding was a tax on the rich.

Cuomo said he didn't expect the Legislature to approve it.

January 23, 2014 - 11:12am

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